# Evaluation of Listeria monocytogenes Dissemination in a Beef Steak Tartare Production Chain

## TL;DR

This study tracked the spread of Listeria monocytogenes in a beef steak tartare production chain, finding high contamination rates and identifying key stages for intervention.

## Contribution

The study provides a detailed genomic analysis of Listeria monocytogenes strains in a steak tartare production chain, highlighting critical contamination points.

## Key findings

- Listeria monocytogenes was detected in 19 out of 30 carcasses after skinning.
- Genomic analysis identified five clonal complexes and seven sequence types, with CC9-ST580 being the most prevalent.
- Two hypervirulent strains (CC6-ST6 and CC2-ST145) were found to carry multiple virulence and resistance genes.

## Abstract

This study evaluated the diffusion of Listeria monocytogenes (LM) in a beef steak tartare production chain, aiming to (1) evaluate Listeria spp. diffusion in finishing farms supplying beef cattle, (2) evaluate LM prevalence in carcasses, and (3) map LM diffusion in the production plant. A detection rate of 6/76 was observed in the farm, while carcasses after skinning and before refrigeration tested positive in 19/30 and 11/30, respectively. During tartare production, 57/154 meat and 35/191 environmental samples tested positive. A total of 114 LM isolates were characterized via a whole-genome sequencing approach. Five clonal complexes (CCs) and seven sequence types (STs) were identified, with CC9-ST580 being the most prevalent. Four clusters were identified from both the slaughtering and production phases. Genes related to resistance to fosfomycin, quinolones, sulfonamides, lincosamide, and tetracycline were detected. Two hypervirulent strains (CC6-ST6 and CC2-ST145), harboring a full-length inlA, several virulence genes, and stress islands, were detected. Stress Survival Islet 1 was found in almost all the isolates. The wide diffusion of LM in steak tartare requires the management of some critical phases of the production chain (mainly slaughtering); genomic methodologies could be useful in describing the circulation and virulence of LM strains.